A leading figure in Gulf states finance and foreign affairs has been reflecting on the recent turmoil in the region.We are thinking the Libyan people didn't deserve this,says Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al-Thani,Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar,who also helps oversee Qatar's sovereign wealth.Most of the problem in the Middle East is the economy.Gadaffi should go,leave the people of Libya decide what they want to do.
We see a lot of movement in Qatar.Some of the big companies are moving into Qatar from Egypt.
Between 5 and 7 years we will finish the Qatar infrastructure.Seventy billion is already allocated for that.The challenge is what to do after that to keep the growth 5-8%.We don't want the growth to collapse in 3-4 years when the work is finished.
Last year we invested more than 20 billion.This year we must invest 35 billion if we have the opportunity.We invested in Washington property,as it is a city that is not affected a lot by real estate problems because it is the capital.We think it's the right time to invest in U.S. commercial real estate.We are also looking at retail and energy in the U.S.
We have to be realistic about the supply and demand for energy.The supply is there,but there is anxiety about the Middle East events.In Asia,we sell our gas 3-4 times what we sell it for in the U.S.;Asia is our natural market,frankly speaking.
With regard to censorship of the Internet,to shut down any technology,I think this is stupid,the British-educated Sheikh Hamad believes.
Through its Delta Two fund,which is headed by Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim and managed by Paul Taylor,the Qatari government has increased its stake in British retailer Sainsbury to just over 25%.This is being seen as another step in a possible takeover of the department store chain.
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